Rio: The Arena Tournament

Hi guys! I'm back after a long time away. This is just a little idea I came up with so I wouldn't expect to see too many chapters. Hope you guys like it though!

Special guest stars: Rico the black hawk from author Ricardo the black hawk.

"It's a beautiful day here in the arena." Porcupine Game Announcer declared from their small alcove overlooking the pit.

His partner and friend-the Tapir Game Announcer-continued. "And what better time of the year to host the fifth annual tournament games. Ahh, it looks like our teams are coming in right now!"

A crowd of birds gathered in their respective seats, eager to watch the match between the two clans. Every year the blue macaw clan would gather in this area to fight against the scarlet macaw clan in a battle between members. In the past, this was used as an excuse for the clans to fight each other without declaring war, but now, it was used for friendly battles. That didn't mean that anyone was going to hold back.

With different rules, the matches were slightly altered. Instead of being limited to birds of the same clan, other species were now allowed to join the teams so long as there was at least one bird from the original clan participating.

From each side the teams emerged. Representing the blue macaw clan were five members: Blu and Roberto the blue macaws, Rico the black hawk, Armando the Lear macaw and Mac the yellow bird.

As for their opponents, representing the scarlet macaw clan were another five members: Carlos and Enrico the scarlet macaws, AJ the yellow-collared macaw, Simon the sulphur-crested cockatoo and Anton the legendary bat.

"Let this be known that this is the first-time other bird species have been allowed to participate!" the Porcupine Game Announcer reminded excitedly.

"I gotta good feeling about this year's match!" the Tapir Game Announcer agreed.

The blue macaw team gathered around their respective benches to discuss the tournament. Eduardo was there as their coach while Felipe covered his own clan respectively.

"All of you are new here-except for you Roberto-so it's my job to explain to you the rules," Eduardo informed strictly. "One fighter from both sides will be called to fight. You can win three ways: knocking your opponent out the ring, knocking them down hard or if they give up. Any questions?"

Rico raised his wing.

"Yes Rico?"

"Is there any beer?"

Eduardo frowned. He turned towards Nico, giving him an annoyed look. "You told me he was a professional."

"Relax…" Nico assured while he and Pedro shared grapes.

Eduardo merely sighed while he observed the rest of their team: Blu was nervous, Roberto was confident, Rico and Diego looked uninterested and as for Mac, he looked terrified! The only reason he was here as to help build up his confidence. The only family he had was his brother who watched from the crowd.

Needless to say, Blu wasn't exactly excited either. The only reason he was here was the constant pressure from his family to participate. As future leader of the clan, he had to learn one way or another. He whined: "Ooh, why do I have to do this? I'm not built for fighting. I'm a city bird!"

"Just relax, Blu," Jewel soothed while she gently rubbed his wings. "You'll be fine out there. It's all for sport, not for fighting. Besides, there's a chance our guys might do so well that they'll be no-one left to right when it's your turn."

"I guess," Blu sighed. "Oh, this is going to be a long day."

Jewel quickly made sure no-one was in listening range before leaning over. She whispered: "If you do good, I promise I'll make you that special grape pie you like."

Blu's eyes widened. That was his favourite food here! "Really? You will!?"

Jewel nodded. "I promise."

The crowd settled as the announcers continued their speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the Tapir Game Announcer announced. "It is with great honour to welcome you all to the fifth games tournament! This year's match will be different from the others!"

"With new birds participating, we can all witness new fights than before!" the Porcupine Game Announcer said, jumping with joy. "And it looks like our coaches are moving towards the centre of the arena to speak."

Eduardo and Felipe greeted each other simultaneously, both their respective grins. In the previous four years, the clans had won two tournaments each. This fifth match may be the best one yet.

The coach-a brown peregrine falcon-brought the two coaches together. "Now I'm sure you're both aware of the rules, but I must still read them as procedure: Victories are won from out of bounds, knockout or surrender. Remind your team that this is a sport, NOT a brutal contest. Anyone who goes too far will be disqualified. Any questions?"

There was silence.

"Good." The couch said. "Now both of you go back to your team. The first round is soon."

Both leaders retreated to their respective corners. Seeing that his team didn't look to excited, it was time for his famous strict-yet-motivational-speech. "All of you bring something to the team: strength, speed, intelligence, and power. Stick to your trait and fight. Just remember that your opponents are just like you: they feel pain and bleed just the same."

The members seemed more confident. Except for Mac that is, who still looked terrified. He couldn't stop shaking. He was hoping that his name wasn't going to be called first. The match was about to begin and that meant anyone not on the team had to go and sit in the stands.

Jewel pecked Blu on his peck. "Good luck, Blu."

Blu watched as she joined their children in the front row. It was just him and the team now.

The coach grabbed the first set of cards containing the names of the righters. He accepted them from the announcers and read them out loud. "For the first round, we have Rico VS Carlos!"

Rico stood, eager to get this show on the road. He stretched out his wings while marching towards the arena.

"Go get him, Rico!" Pedro cheered.

"Kick his butt!" Nico agreed.

Rico seemed quite confident. That was until he met his opponent in the centre. When Carlos was sitting down, Rico failed to notice how huge this guy was! He must be at least three times his size and even that was pushing it. This guy wasn't going down easy no doubt.

The two stared one another down despite their height differences. The coach stood in between them.

"Rico, Carlos, I want a good clean fight. Don't get carried away. If I tell either of you to step back, you do. Got it?"

The two nodded.

"Good." The couch moved back to avoid getting in their way. He placed his wings around his beak and announced. "Round 1! Fight!"

And so, the first match begun and it was going to be a great one.